Mail-canceling machine



9 Sheets-Shet 1.

(No Model.)

W BARRY MAIL GANGBLING MACHINE.

No. 585,074. Patented June 22, 1897.

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W. BARRY. MAIL GANGBLING MACHINE; No. 585,074. Patented June 22,1897. 4

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W. BARRY.

- MAILIGANGELING MACHINE.

No. 585,074. Patented June 22, 1897 f y m mwum-E III I wi lmwoeo I Suva/WW6 (No Model.)

9 Sheets-Sheet 6. V I W. BARRY. MAIL OANGELING MACHINE.

No. 585,074. Patented June 22,1897.

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W. BARRY. MAIL OANGELING MACHINE.

Patented June 2.2, 1897.

No. 585,0 74, v

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Patented June 22, 1897.

(No Model.)

W. BARRY. MAIL GANOELING MACHINE. No. 585,0 74.

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(No Model.) 9 SheetsSheet 9. W. BARRY. MAIL OANGELING MACHINE.

No. 585,074. Patented June 22,1897.

\\)\\\\am mtms M 7 (da I UNITED STATES P TENT OFFICE.

XVILLIAM BARRY, OF SYRACUSE, NEV YORK.

MAIL-CANCELING MACHINE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 585,074, dated June 22, 1897. Application filed August 10, 1892. serial'No. 442,715. (No model.)

.lowing is a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, which will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to the letters and figures of reference marked thereon,

which form parts of this specification.

This invention relates to certain improvements in machines for canceling the stamps of and postmarking mail-matter.

The object of the invention is to provide an improved mailstamping machine simple and durable in construction and exceedingly accurate, reliable, and rapid in action, and wherein all the pieces of mail-matter willbe stamped without missing or clogging and without permitting several letters to pass through the printing mechanism at the same time.

A further object of the invention is to improve details in the forms, constructions, and arrangements of parts and thereby produce a highly efficient andaccurate mail-stamping machine.

A further object of the invention is to pro-- vide a mail-stamping machine having an improved printing mechanism simple and yet very sure and effective in operation and action and wherein the printing-characters can be easily inserted and removed and the printing-wheel so constructed and operated as to prevent smearing or inking of the letters except by the type or printing-characters.

A further object of the invention is to provide a mail-stamping machine with improved means for separately feeding the letters from the receiving-bed through the printing mechanisrn, so that the mail-matter composed of pieces of greatly-varied thicknesses can be easily separated and fed to the printing mechanism in such a manner that every piece of mail-matter will be properly stamped.

, A further object of the invention is to provide an improved method of placing the letters in the receiving-bed and of receiving them after being stamped in such a manner that they can be easily and quickly removed and sorted.

A further object of the invention is to provide a mail-stamping machine with improved means of receiving the letters after they have been stamped and stacking them in regular order and preventing them from flying up or sidewisefrom the stack on being discharged from the printing mechanism.

A ,further object of the invention is to provide an improved inking mechanism for the printing mechanism, so that the ink will be evenly distributed on the printing-wheel without complication of parts or smearing.

The invention consists in certain novel features of construction and in combination of parts more fully described hereinafter and particularly pointed out in the claims.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective of the machine as in operation. Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the machine. Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the machine, looking toward the feedway side. Fig. 4 is a side elevation of the machine, looking at the opposite side. Fig. 5 is a front end view. Fig. 6 is a detailed top plan of the inner end of the receiving-way, showing the separating and feeding mechanism in the act of feeding mail through the printing mechanism. Figs. 7 and 8 are detailed views of a form of separating-fin ger which prevents more than one letter at a time beingfed to the printing mechanism. Figs. 9, 10, and 11 are detail views of a form of toothed feeder and parts thereof. Fig. 12 is a detail View of the pitman for driving said feeder. Fig. 13 is a detail top plan of the ink-roller and its swinging support and an intermediate distributingroller. Fig. 14 is a central vertical sectional view through the ink-roll and intermediate roll and the distributing roll. Fig. 15 is a detail perspective view of the cam that vibrates the intermediate distributing-roll. Fig. 16 is a detail plan view of the throat through which the letters are carried to the printing mechanism. Fig. 17 is a detail view in elevation showing the stacking-fingers and operating mechanism therefor. Fig. 18 is a detail perspective view of the swinging shield located at the inner end of the way that receives the letters after they have been printed. Fig. 19 is a detail View, in horizontal section, showing the mechanism in plan that periodically relieves the impression-roller shaft from the spring that presses the same toward the printin g-roll, dotted lines showing the printing and impression rolls. Fig. 20 is a cross-section taken on line 06 00, Fig. 19. Fig. 21 is a crossseetional view taken on the line 1 y, Fig. 19. Fig. 22 is a detail perspective iew of the tray which receives the letters after they have been printed. Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view taken in the plane of line 1 y, Fig. 2. Fig. 9% is a detail sectional view showing a portion of the bottom of a letter-way and the means for reciprocating the same. Fig. 25 is a vertical section through the impression or platen roll, showing the shaft partially broken away and the universal-joint mounting of the roll. Figs. 26 and 27 are top and bottom plan views,respectively, of a printing-roll detached from its shaft. Fig. 28 is a vertical section of the roll, including a portion of the frame beneath the roll. Fig. 29 is a detail enlarged section of the type carrier or block of the roll, showing a manner of securing the type therein and showing a type in perspective. Fig. 20 is a section of the printing-roll, showing the modified way of holding the type. Fig. 30 is an edge view of the printing-roll. Fig. 31 is a plan of the cam or eccentric grooie or socket above which the printing-roll is arranged and which controls radial movement of the typecarrier of the roll, showing also the inkingroll and the means carrying and controlling the same. Figs. 32 and 33 show, respectively, a feed-block and a section thereof provided with transverse slots.

The machine in general has a way into which the letters or other mail-matter to be stamped are stacked on edge and all facing in one direction. These letters are fed toward one end of the machine and are carried laterally and separately from said way through a throat by a feeder to a printing-machine. The letters are separated at said throat to prevent passage of more than one at a time by suitable separating mechanism extending into said throat. The printing mechanism discharges the stamped letters into another way, where a stacker catches the letters and stacks them in order on a floor which can form a removable tray and which has a reciprocating movement to feed the letters toward its outer end. \Vhen this tray is full, it can be removed and emptied on a table and reinserted.

In the drawings the reference-letter a indicates the frame of the machine, formed of suitable castings or the like extended laterally at the upper ends to support the ways or beds that receive the letters.

1) indicates the feed bed or way in which the letters to be stamped are stacked on edge and facing in one direction. This way has the longitudinal guide plate or edge e at the inner side and the rigid vertical wall (1 at its inner end. The side and end bars of this way are rigid with the main frame of the machine.

The bottom of the way is formed to reciprocate and is preferably (although I do not so limit myself) composed of parallel longitudinal. bars 6, usually located a distance apart and extending throughout the length of the way. The lower edges of the letters rest on these bars. The bars (see Figs. 3 and 24) are pivoted on the upper ends of the arms f, extending up from and rigid with the rock-shafts g, extending transversely beneath the bars and suitably journaled in the frame of the machine. One of the rock-shafts is provided with a rigid crank-arm h, extending downwardly therefrom and provided with an antifriction-roller bearing against the periphery of the cam i on the shaftj. A suitable spring is provided to hold the roller of the crank-arm against the periphery of the cam, such as spring 7o, coiled on rock-shaft g and having one end bearing against a cross-bar 1, connecting the sides of the way, and the other end secured to an adjustable stop or lug m on the shaft. By this arrangement the roller of the crank-arm is constantly forced against the cam. The periphery of the cam forms a gradually-increasing curve from the abrupt shoulder n in its periphery. The cam moves in the direction of the arrow to rock the crank-arm h in such a direction as to reciprocate the bottom of the feedway forwardly and thereby carry the let-ters forwardly against the wall at the front end of said way. \Vhen the roller of said arm reaches the abrupt shoulder of the cam, it drops inwardly suddenly toward the center of the roller, thereby throwing the reciprocating bottom quickly and suddenly rearwardly and back. The back motion is so rapid that the bottom does not carry back the letters, but merely loosens them. The shaft j, carrying the cam, is provided with a pulley p, driven by a belt q from the pulley r on the drive-shaft s of the machine. This driveshaft is preferably horizontally arranged in the lower part of the frame and is provided with a drive-pulley t, to which the power for driving the machine is applied.

Rigid cross-bars l extend transverse of and beneath the floor of the feedway and preferably have arms Z projecting up between the bars of said floor to receive the fingers 2, (see Figs. 2 and 2l,) which are inclined toward the inner or front end of the way. These fingers normally project a slight distance above the upper faces of the said bars, so that the letters will easily slip forwardly over them, but the fingers will prevent retrograde movement of the letters with the quick return of the floor. These swinging lingers are advantageous because they are quick and sure and will not become bent up and back by the letters, and, furthermore, they let the letters slide freely over them.

The projections Z of the cross-bars I have downwardly-extending perforated lugs between which the fingers 2 are pivoted to have a vertical swing. The swing of the fingers is limited by the under sides of the projections of the cross-bars, and the lower ends of the fingers are heavy enough to normally hold the upper ends of the fingers up to come in contact with the letters.

The reciprocatory bottom positively feeds the letters forwardly, but does not crowd or jam them together, but feeds them in such a manner that they can be easily and quickly separated and fed laterally from theway. It makes no difference how much mail-matter there is in the way, the feed will be the same without crowding or jamming. A follower 3 is provided in the feedway merely to hold the letters together. This follower is provided with a sleeve at its inner end, sliding on guiderod 4, and at its outer end with a roller traveling on the outer side of the feedway. A counterweight mechanism 5 is attached to this follower to constantly tend to move the same forwardly.

The c'rossbeam or bottom plate 6 extends COHlPlGtGlYiLGlOSS the front end of the machine and front ends of the feed and receiving ways and in the feedway is beveled up and slotted, as shown in Fig. 2. \Vhen a few letters only remain in the way, the follower carries them across this beam or plate 6 to the feeding mechanism.

The receiving-way 7 lies, preferably, parallel with and in the same horizontal plane as the feedway and has a rigid wall at its inner end. The two ways communicate laterally at their front or inner ends through the printing mechanism.

A ledge or shelf d is located at the front side of the wall d, at the inner end of the feedway, and on this ledge a plate 8 reciprocates transversely of the way and is suitably guided so that its inner end can have a limited swing toward and from the wall d. A feeder or block 9 (see Figs. 2 and 6) is pivoted on the upper face of the inner end of this plate 8, so as to project through a horizontal longitudinal slot 61 in the wall d into engagement with the face of the letters in the feedway pressed up against said wall. This block has its inner gripping-surface composed of a plurality of closely-arranged needles or other-fine sharp points inclined in the direction the letters are to be fed. This feeding-block is preferably composed of a series of parallel independent movable plates 9, (see Figs. 9, 10, and 11 of the drawings,) each having a plurality of closely-arranged parallel needles or the like soldered or otherwise rigidly attached thereto with their points evenly projecting a slight distance from one edge thereof. Each plate has an opening 9 at its rear edge or corner, and all the plates are placed one on the other on the same pivot 10, so as to practically form one block, but so that each plate thereof can swing independently a limited distance. The block as an entirety also has a limited swinging movement on the pivot.

The rocking of the feeding-block is limited by the stops 9 on the feeder-carrier 8. this connection it should be noted that the invention broadly comprises a feeder comprising sections having an independent play, each section having the biting-points; also, the invention is not limited to mounting the sections of the block on a pivot, as shown in Fig. 9.

11 and 12 respectively indicate the horizon tally-rotating printing and impression rolls opposite the lateral opening or throat from the feedway. A pitman 13 connects a crankpin 14E eccentrically in the upper face of the printing-roll and a pivot 15 on the rear end of the reciprocating feed-plate to reciprocate the same. The pivot-pin 15 is rigid on said plate, and the pitman has a sleeve 16, that slips over the same. The crank-pin 14 fits loosely and removably in a vertical socket in the printing-wheel and is provided with a transverse aperture at its upper end, through which the pitman adjustably extends, and a screw 17, extending through the end of the crank-pin, adjustably clamps the pitman in the pin. By this arrangement the stroke of the feed-plate can be easily adjusted and varied, so that the feeder can be made to start and stop at different points to engage the letters at different distances from their ends,and the pitman can be easily and quickly disconnected at any time desired. For instance, Fig. 12 shows the pitman shortened by being adjusted to project through pin 14:, while in Fig. 6 the pitman is shown adjusted to its full length between pin 14 and tube 16.

A spring 18 is secured between its ends to the reciprocating plate 8, and its outer end bears against the pitman, and its inner end bears against the rear end of the feed-block beyond its pivotal point. (See Fig. 6.) Thus when the plate begins its stroke the pitman bears in against the outer end of the spring, and hence throws the inner end of the plate inwardly through the slot a slight distance to insure the feed-block engaging the face of the letter, and at the same time the inner end of the spring forces in the inner end of the feed-block. It is obvious that this function is attained because the pitman is moved in close to the wall at when the feeder is starting in on a feeding stroke and consequently bears in against said spring and that as the stroke is completed the pitman moves away from said wall by reason of its eccentric con nection with the printing-roll, and thus relieves the spring.

The sliding feeder-carrier 8 is at its outer portion pivotally confined to its way d by any suitable means, such as a pin depending in a slot in the way, (see Fig. 6,) so that the inner end of the way can play toward and away from the wall (1. The feeder-block is also mounted on the carrier to play thereon toward and away from the Wall. The spring forces the free end of the carrier inwardly and also forces the feed-block inwardly. The point or end of the biting surfa'oe of said block hence first engages thethin end of the letter and prevents its bending or doubling in in passing the separating-fingers or before entering between the printing and impression rolls. As the plate and block continue for wardly the block gradually rocks until its entire surface engages the letter. lVhen the forward stroke is completed, the pitman gradually releases the spring 18, allowing the illner end of the plate and the block to move out on the return movement and thereby disengage the letter.

Forming the block of the independent plates insures the biting-face of the block engagin mailmatter having uneven surfaces, as each plate is independently and yieldingly pressed inwardly by any suitable means, such as a rubber block 19 on the end of the spring 18, that bears against the block. If desired, each section of the feedblock can have a separate spring.

The wall (Z extends across the front ends of both the ways of the machine and preferably above the printing-roll. The reciprocating feed-plate is mounted to reciprocate in a horizontal plane above the plane of the upper surface of the printing-wheel, and the parts are preferably so arranged that the feedblock is carried above the printing-wheel to or beyond the engaging point between said rolls to insure the letters being carried between and caught by the rolls.

Suitable mechanism is provided to prevent the passage of more than one letter at a time through the opening between the end of wall 0 and wall (Z, such as fingers 20, extending from end of wall 0 across said opening, so as to push and hold back the letters behind the letter moved by the feeder. In Figs. 0, 7, and 8 these fingers consist of strips 21 of rubber or other suitable flexible material having their engaging faces covered with suitable friction or rough material, as strips 22, such as emery-cloth. These strips extend through and project beyond holders 23, pivoted at their rear ends and connected to wall 0. Each holder or finger has a rearwardly-extending pivoted rod 25, passing through an adjustable guide-plate 26, and each rod is provided with an expansive coil-spring 27, interposed between an adjustable stop on the rod and plate 26.

The constant tendency of each spring 27 is to yieldingly hold the finger across the discharge opening or passage from the feedway. The tension of the springs can be varied and adjusted to vary the size of the opening for the mail -matter. These fingers bear and press tightly against the rear faces of the letters moved by the feeder and effectually hold back the adjacent letters in the rear, the rough or friction material greatly assisting. As the rubber or friction material wears at the ends the strips can be moved forward in the metal holders or fingers. This manner of hinging the fingers and applying springs thereto permits the passage of mail-matter greatly varied in thickness, while the fingers positively prevent the thin or thick pieces of mail passing through other than separately. The separator is so formed and arranged as to permit the feeder to reciprocate beyond the same without engaging or catching the separator-fingers. For instance, as shown in Fig. 7, this can be accomplished by having the finger in the horizontal plane of the feeder if a finger be arranged in said plane shorter than the other fingers, so as not to engage the feeder if the parts operate without a letter being interposed between the feederand the separator. If desired, the wall d can be given an outward bend or bulge (see Fig. 1b) opposite the separating-fingers, so that the ends of the letters will be bent out and thereby more easily separated by the fingers. Furthermore, the springs force the fingers to press the letters against the feeder, thereby assisting the feeder.

The horizontal printing-roll 11 is mounted on the upper end of a vertical shaft 30, suitably journaled and at its lower end driven from the drive-shaft s by bevel-gearing 31. The impression-roller 12, hearing against the printing-roll and revolving in unison therewith, is mounted on the upper end of a vertical counter-shaft 32, at its lower end mounted in a swinging bracket 33. This bracket is mounted to swing toward and from the printing-roll shaft. The counter-shaft is driven from the printing-roll shaft by gear 34: on the printing-roll shaft meshing with pinion 35 on the counter-shaft. The smaller impression-roller thus has the same rate of peripheral speed as the printing-roller. The upper journal-box 36 of the impression-roll shaft is located in an elongated slot in the main frame, so that said roll can move toward and from the printing-roll. (See Fig. 19.) An expansive spring 37 bears against said box and tends to yieldingly force the impression-roll against the printing-roll. This spring at the opposite end is secured to an adjusting-screw 38, adjustable through the end of yoke 39, passing loosely by opposite sides of the counter-shaft and printing-roll shaft to the front side of the printing-roll shaft, where the yoke is provided with an antifrictionroller 40, held bearing against the periphery of a horizontal cam 41 rigid on the printingroll shaft. The cam is so arranged that its reduced portion will just precede or nearly coincide with, in order of rotation, the printing-characters on the printing-roll, and the parts are thus so timed that when the feeder has brought the letter to the rolls the roller- 40 reaches the reduced part of the cam 4-1, thereby allowing the spring to draw the yoke back and relieve, or partially relieve, the counter-shaft and impression-roll from the tension of the spring. The impression-roll will therefore move away from the printingroll very easily and quickly, permitting the entrance of the letter or package between the rolls without regard to thickness and without bending or injuring the same and reducing noise and jar. Furthermore, this arrangementioned shaft.

ment permits the rolls accommodating mailmatter composed of many differently-sized pieces. As soon as the letter enters the rolls the cam 41 again throws the full forceof the spring on the impression-roll and the printing portion of the wheel then strikes the letter. The yoke is guided and held by the link 41, (shown in Fig. 1,) pivoted as shown. The tension of the spring 37 can be-easily and quickly adjusted so as to constantly maintain the proper pressure.

The impression-roller is preferably composed of some material not so hard as to injure the type of the printing-roll and yetsufficiently hard to be durable and tough enough to form a good impression. Hence I prefer to use a roll composed of circular layers of rawhide riveted together, as shown in Fig. 25. The roll is provided with a socket in its under side to receive the upper end of its shaft. This socket is flared outwardly, and the roll is secured to the shaft by auniversal joint composed of one horizontal rotary shaft 43 in a cavity in the end of the shaft and another shaft 44 extending through the roller and loosely through an opening in the first- By this arrangement the impression-roll can always be maintained parallel with the printing-roll when the countershaft is swung out. Suitable inking mechanism for the printingroll is provided, preferably substantially such as shown and hereinafter described. This loose or universal mounting of the impression or platen roll also permits it to readily yield and accommodate itself to the uneven surfaces and thicknesses of mail-matter, so as to always form a flat solid backing behind the letter when the printing-characters move against the face thereof.

44 indicates the ink-reservoir or fountainroller, composed of a central shaft 45, a body portion or core of wood or other material 45, and a surrounding wrapping of wire-gauze or the like 46, surrounded by a covering of porous material 47. The core or body is provided with bushing 48, fitting the shaft and intended to prevent ink getting in the hearing. The ink is poured on the upper end of the body and percolates through the wiregauze and is absorbed by the felt or other absorbent covering, which becomes saturated and, with the gauze, retains a supply of ink that will last for some time. This ink-roll is carried by a swinging arm 49, pivoted to the main frame and provided with an adjustable spring 50, which tends to constantly press the ink-roll against a parallel distributing-roll 51 of soft material or composition. By this arrangement the quantity of ink taken up by the distributing-roller can be regulated by the tension of the ink-roller on the soft roller by tension of spring 50. This distributingroll is arranged above a portion of the frame or front table of the machine and has a vertical reciprocating movement imparted thereto by its shaft 52, which passes down through said port ion of the table. This shaft rotates the roll and has a horizontal friction-wheel 53 rigid on its lower end, resting on the periphery of a vertical pulley 54, mounted on a suitable shaft journaled in the main frame and rotated by a belt 55 from a pulley 56 rigid on the drive-shaft. The friction-surface of wheel 53 is irregular or cam-shaped, and hence as the pulley 54 drives the friction-wheel said wheel and the distributing-roll are reciprocated vertically. The reciprocating .movement of the distributing-roll tends to more evenly distribute the ink on the inking-roll 57 and to collect it from the ink-roll.

The inking-roller 57 is mounted on the end of the swinging arm 59, pivoted to the main frame, (see Figs. 1 and 5,) so that the inking-roll can be pressed against the distributing-roll and the printing-roll by a spring 60, bearing against said swinging rod and an arm of the main frame. This spring 60 is provided with screws 60' for adjusting its tension. The ink and distributing rolls can, if desired, be inclosed in a case 61 to prevent adjacent parts being daubed or spattered with ink. The peripheral speed of the distributin g-roller is greater than that of the printingroll.

The portion of the printing-roll carrying the printing devices throws the inking-roll out from engagement with the distributing-roll. The spring 60 and its screws limit its outward throw. The inking-roller is thus held out of engagement with the distributing-roll by the portion of the printingwheel having the printing devices, and hence the ink is more evenly distributed on the printing-wheel by retarding the speed of the inking-roll.

The inking-roller is preferably formed of disks or layers of felt or other absorbent material pressed together by screws, as shown in Fig. 14, so as to form a solid body with a smooth surface. The inking-roller engages the portion of the printing-roll provided with printing type and characters and distributes the ink thereon so that the letters will be plainly stamped and the postage-stamps fully canceled.

The printing-roll is so formed and constru cted that the only portion thereof engaged by the inking-roll is the part carrying the type or printing-characters. Hence daubing the mail-matter is avoided.

The form of the printing-roll herein disclosed has a movable type block or carrier moving with the roll and controlled by means which throw said block out from the roll to engage the inker and draw the same back to a solid backing or seat for printing.

The printing-roll shaft 30 extends through and above the front fioor or table of the machine and is shown with a collar 30 rigid thereon above the table, having edge recess 30". The printing-roll 11 fits removably on the upper end of said shaft and has a bottom recess to receive said collar and a pin or projection 11 to fit down in said recess 30, so

IIO

as to turn the roll with the shaft and yet permit the roll being readily lifted off or placed on the shaft.

A stationary eccentric or cam 71 is suitably formed in any desired manner on the table around the shaft 30. The eccentric is here shown as a circular groove or socket formed in the front table of the machine-frame around and eccentric to the printing-roll shaft.

The inker 57 is controlled so as not to engage the printing-roll except when the typecarrier thereof is thrown out to engage the inker, and the remaining portion of the periphery of the roll is formed to engage and cooperate with the impression-roll in carrying along the letters.

The type block or carrier 77 forms practically or approximately a sector of the complete cylinder or circle of the printing-roll, so that when the type-carrier is in its printing position against the fiat or cut-off edge of the main portion of the roll the outer edge or face of the type-carrier is in or approximately in the circle of the roll and forms a part or continuation of the periphery thereof. The typecarrier is here shown confined to the main' portion of the printing-roll by a loose connection, such as link 78, arranged at the under end of the roll, with its ends pivoted, respectively, to the main portion of the roll and to the type-carrier in such a relation as to permit the carrier to swing out from the circle of the roll. This link is arranged in the eccentric, and any suitable spring is preferably provided, yieldingly pressing the typecarrier outwardly from the roll, so that the outer end of the link, engaging the outer edge or wall of the eccentric, controls the position of the type-carrier by pressing said end of the link in until the carrier is seated solidly against the roll or permitting the same to swing outwardly under the influence of the spring. On the drawings a bent spring 79 is shown at one end secured to the link, with its free end arranged and compressed in the eccentric groove 71, so as to press against the outer wall thereof and exert its tension on the type-carrier, as just described. It will thus be observed that when the roll is lifted from its shaft the type-carrier and spring move out with it.

The front end of the type sector or carrier 77 has a nose or edge 77 at its upper side projecting over the main portion of the roll, preterably into a recess 77 therein. The opposite end of the carrier 77 also has an upper edge 77 projecting into a recess in the main portion of the roll. The rear end of the carrier in the direction of rotation has an end shoulder abutting against a corresponding shoulder of the main portion of the roll, as shown at 77, Figs. 26 and 27. A pin SO projects up from the main portion of the roll into slot 80 in the lip or overlapping edge 77. The slot 80 is so arranged relatively to the pivotal points of link 78 as to cause the typecarrier to move radially out from the link as the guiding slot and pin cooperate with the pivotal link in properly moving the typecarrier, while shoulders 77 engage and push the type-carrier around without wedging or jamming, and the overlapping ends or edges hold the type-carrier from dropping down and reduce friction and wedging and also overlap points to avoid sharp or abrupt edges to strike and throw out the inker.

The eccentric is so arranged that during every rotation of the prin tin g-roll as the typecarrier thereof approaches the inker the eccentric permits the spring to throw the typecarrier out to the inker to ink the type thereof, and as the type-carrier approaches the impression-roll the eccentric draws the carrier to its solid seat against the main portion of the roll, so as to have a solid seat for printing.

Any suitable means can be provided for removably securing the type in the type-carrier or providing other printing-characters thereon. In Fig. 29 the type-carrier is formed of horizontal sections removably secured together by any suitable means, as a vertical screw 76, so that the type can be clamped between the sections and removed on loosening the screws and sections. The sections can have tapering depressions in their upper sides to receive the type 74, which have tapered or inclined sides to lit in said depressions. The section above fits down on and thus clamps the type rigidly in position. It will thus be observed that the type are locked by and interlocked and alternate with horizontal sections. The sections can have printing-ribs (57 to form lines or dashes between the type and also, if desired, to extend beyond the type forming the postmark to print the lines which cancel the stamps.

The small screws Gt", Fig. 29, can be employed, if desired, as eveners for each type.

In Fig. 29 the type-holder is shown with a cavity in which the horizontally-arranged type and intermediate sections are arranged. The type 63 have side cross grooves or depressions (55, and the intermediate sections or metal strips 64:, which are arranged horizontally between the horizontal rows of type, each has a rib 66 on one side fitting in the alined grooves of the row of type beneath. to hold the type properly. The opposite side of each strip is flat to form a bearing or support for the next succeeding row of type. The sections have the printing-ribs G7 at their outer edges, which can extend beyond the type to form the stamp-canceler. The screws 64 clamp the sections and type rigidly together and in place, and yet permit ready removal or insertion thereof by loosening the screw or screws. This arrangement of printing roll presents many advantageous features. There is no bumping and no blows on the parts when running at a high rate of speed, and consequently no noise and excessive wear.

The letter after being stamped is shot outwardly by the rolls across the inner end of way is curved upwardly, as shown, toward the stop-arm 81, so that when the outer corner of the letter strikes said curve it will direct the outer end of the letter upwardly and throw the inner corner of the letter down in front of one of the said shoulders or stops 82, as shown by dotted lines in Fig. 23. The letters are thus stacked about in line in the receiving-way.

As each letter enters the receiving-way it is caught by a suitable stacker and pressed down in proper position to form the pile or stack. This stacker preferably consists of a series of fingers 84, which move up and forward through slots in the end wall (Z of the way and up and forward through the slots in cross-beam 6 between each incline, forming shoulder 82 behind each letter, pressing the same forward in proper position, and then the fingers move down and back beneath the way. These fingers can be secured and operated indifferent ways. In Figs. 17 and 23 of the drawings the vertical fingers are shown secured to cross-bars 85, secured to the upper end of an oscillating pitman 86, at its lower end journaled on a crank-pin 87, projecting from the face of pulley 56 on the drive-shaft.

The pitman 86 has the oscillatory movement imparted thereto by the upright lever 88, fulcrumed between its ends near the front end of the machine and having its upper and lower ends, respectively, connected by pivotal links 89 with the upper and lower ends of pitman 86. The crank causes the pitman and fingers to rise and fall, while the lever and links cause the same to oscillate to'cause the fingers to move the letters forwardly and then move back to catch the next letter, the parts being properly arranged and geared to move in the desired sequence.

A depending swinging guard or shield 98 is suspended at the front portion of the receiving-way in front of the path traveled by the stacking-fingers, so that each letter must pass beneath the guard, which lieson the series of letters fed outwardly in the way and is pressed outwardly by the same. The guard is intended to assist in stacking or piling the letters in order and prevent them flying up or over the other letters or piling one on the other. The guard is suitably supported, preferably by an arm 99, extending upwardly from the outer edge of the way and having a horizontal rod 100 extending laterally over the way. The shield is formed of any suitable light material, such as leather or thin sheet metal, &c., and is provided with perforated ears 101 at its upper edge, loosely located on said rod. A swinging catch 102 is pivoted to the inner side of the arm 99, so as to swing down against the outer side of the innermost car 101 and thereby retain the shield on the rod 100. By swinging up this catch the shield can be moved laterally from the rod. It is evident that the catch 102 swings down against rod 100, beside the inner ear 101, and hence prevents said ear moving outwardly, as it must when the ears are slid longitudinally of rod 100 in removing the shield.

The receiving-way is provided with a follower 103, that is gradually pressed outwardly as the stack of letters in the way increases. This follower is provided with a sleeve 104,

sliding on a guide-rod 105 at the outer edge of the Way. The inner end of the follower is guided by a suitable guide edge at the inner side of the way. A suitable counterweight mechanism is provided for this follower. The follower is so arranged with its free end traveling on a support or guide and its opposite end mounted on the tube sliding and turning on a rod as to be capable of upward swing from the way and thereby permit removal of the tray containing letters. The receivingway is also provided with a reciprocating bottom which, if desired, can be a removable tray, although I do not wish to limit myself to the employment of a movable tray. The main frame is provided with suitable rigid side and cross pieces at the receiving-way, and the antifriction-rollers 106 are usually mounted in the cross-pieces. (See Fig. 4.) On these rollers the reciprocating floor or tray 107 rests. This tray is preferably, though not necessarily, formed of sheet metal bent up at the outer end 108 to form a stop and handle. The upper face of the tray is preferably provided with series of parallel longitudinal ribs 109, on which the lower edges of the letters rest and slide with a minimum amount of friction. These ribs are preferably formed of metal rods which project beyond the inner end of the tray and fit loosely in sockets 110 in the under side of the crossbeam when the tray is in position. This floor or tray is reciprocated in a direction to feed the letters toward the outer end thereof by suitable means, such as a lever 111,fulcrumed at 112 at the outer end of the receiving-way to swing horizontally and extend transversely across the way. Suitable means are provided to pivotally and removably unite said lever and the reciprocating floor or tray of the receiving-way, such as a vertical pin 113 between the ends of the lever and a perforated ear 114 from the end of the tray arranged to drop on said pin, so that the lever when swung will reciprocate the tray. A link 115 is pivoted to the outer end of said lever 111 and at its opposite end is pivoted to the lower end of an arm 116, projecting down from and rigid with an extended end of one of the rock-shafts g. (See Figs. 3 and These shafts, by reason of their upwardlyextending arms, impart the forward feed motion to the feedway-floor in one direction, while by reason of the downwardly-projecting arm the feeding motion in the opposite direction is imparted to the floor or tray of the receiving-way. A guide-rod 117 can be rigidly secured to the frame at the outer longitudinal edge of the receiving-way to guide the letters as they are stacked in said way. If desirable, other means can be employed or arranged for guiding the letters.

In practical use the letters to be stamped are stacked properly on edge on a suitable pan or tray which is placed on the feedway, the follower being swung up and to one side. The tray is then pulled out from under the letters while they are held, thus leaving the stack of letters on the floor of the feedway. These trays or pans can be filled by clerks when desired, and the machine can be easily and quickly filled with letters when desired.

The letters are separately carried laterally from the inner end of the fcedway through the printing mechanism and discharged into the inner end of the receiving-way, wherein the letters are stacked in the removable pan or tray. As fast as one tray is filled it can be removed and another substituted. The letters can be easily removed and sorted and distributed in these trays. l urthermore, by the use of these trays the machine can be very easily manipulated and several machines can be attended to by one person. If desired, a tray such as is used in the receivin g-way can be employed in the feedway.

In Figs. 32 and 33 the preferred construction of feed-block is illustrated. This block is formed in sections, as shown, andthe ends of the sections have transverse slots 147, as shown, so that the entire biting-surface of each section of the feed block or the surface of the entire feeder-block can move inwardly toward the letter. Where the sections of the block are pivoted at one end, the free ends only of the sections can swing inwardly to catch uneven surfaces, but where the sections can slide throughout their entire lengths by reason of the end slots letters uneven throughout their lengths can be readily engaged and fed.

It should be noted that the positive m echanism provided to vary the tension between the printing and impression rolls is so arranged and controlled that the tension between said rolls is increased after the letter has been grasped by the rolls and as the printing devices of the printing-roll arrive around at the printing-point, so that the tension of the impression-roll toward the printing-roll reaches its maximum while the printing-roll is actually performing the printing operation, whereby a good impression on the the mail-matter is secured, and yet the tension between said rolls is not so high when the letter is presented to the rolls as to render it difficult for the rolls to grasp the same.

The stacking device herein disclosed comprises a swinging pusher having any kind of a suitable shank, body, or carrier, shown in the drawings as having a movable fulcrum, by being pivotally joined to link Si), and to which shank or carrier any suitable reciprocating, rotary, or circular eccentric or crank actuating means can be applied, and a letterengaging portion shown in the drawings as composed of strips, slats, or fingersearried by the shank.

This machine has hereinbefore been called a stamping-machine, although the specific purpose of the machine is to cancel stamps and postmark letters. It has been found advantageous to incline the letter-ways laterally in the same direction-that is, the feedway is inclined toward the inner edge thereof and the receiving-way toward its outer edge. This inclination is preferably attained by the formation of the frame. By this inclination of the frame and ways the inner ends of the letters are kept against the innerguide of each way, and hence the letters are kept in regular order and can be easily engaged and operated by the feeder; also, the letters are discharged more readily and accurately across the inner end of the receiving-way and are stacked in a superior manner in the receiving-way. I do not wish, however, to limit myself to such constructions.

If desired, one or more rollers 160 can be horizontally arranged parallel with the feedway and near the inner end thereof and driven by any suitable mechanism, such as the belting passing over a guide-pulley from the bottom drive-shaft, as shown by dotted lines in Fig. 3, so that the upper face of the rollers will travel toward the inner edge of the feedway. The letters are thus kept against the inner edge of the feedway, so as to be readily caught by the feeder. These rolls are so located as not to interfere with the forward feeding of letters.

For the sake of clearness the machine has been very minutely and specifically described but I wish it understood that I do not limit myself to this description or to the machine illustrated, as it is evident that various changes might be made in the forms, constructions, and arrangements of the parts described without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention. Hence I do not limit myself to the construction herein described.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. In a mail-marking machine, the combination of a frame, a feedway, wherein the letters are arranged 011 edge, provided with means to feed the body of the letters forwardly and with a longitudinal guide at its inner edge having a lateral discharge-opening therethrough, letter-feeding means, a printing mechanism, and a receiving-way into the inner side of which the letters are discharged on edge, and provided with means for moving the body of letters therein, and with a longitudinal guide at its outer edge,

said two ways arranged side by side in apstantially as described.

2. In a mail-marking machine, the combination of a horizontally-disposed receiving- Way into the inner side of the front end of which the letters are discharged on edge, and having a reciprocating feed-floor, a stacker to force the letters outwardly in said way, a longitudinal guide at the edge of said way, opposite the letter-inlet, said way being inclined transversely toward said guide to aline the outer ends of the letters against the same, and means to feed the letters'into the way, substantially as shown and described.

3. A mail-marking machine having a feedway provided with a reciprocating floor to feed the letters toward the inner end thereof,

and a receiving-way having a reciprocating floor arranged to feed the letters toward the outer end thereof, substantially as described.

4. A mail-marking machine having a feedway provided with a reciprocating feed-floor, and a receiving-way provided with a reciprocating feed-floor connected with and reciprocated in an opposite direction from the receiving-way floor, substantially as described.

5. In a mail-marking machine, the combi-. nation of a frame, a reciprocating feedwayfloor, a reciprocating receiving-way floor, a rock-shaft having lateral arms connected to the feedway-fioor, and an oppositely-extending arm connected to the receiving-way floor to reciprocate the same, and a cam-and-sprin g device to rock said shaft in opposite directions and consequently reciprocate the two floors, substantially as described.

6. In a mail-marking machine, the combination of a frame, a reciprocating feed-bed, a rock-shaftbeneath said bed having an upwardly-extending arm pivotally connected to said bed, a reciprocating receiving-bed, and a downwardly-extending arm from the shaft connected with the receiving-bed to reciprocatethe same, substantially as described.

7. In a mail-marking machine, the combination of a frame, two parallel letter-ways arranged thereon side by side and in approximately the same horizontally-disposed plane, the front ends of the two ways ending in approximately the same vertical plane, means comprising printing mechanism to feed the letters from the front end of one way into the front end of the opposite way, the ways provided with positive feeding means positively operated one from the other and arranged to carry the letters toward the outer end of one way and toward the front end of the other way, substantially as described.

8. A mail-marking machine having a reciprocatin g feed-bed, a reciprocating receivingbed, said beds operated oppositely one from the other, substantially as described.

9. A mail-marking machine provided with two letter-ways having feeding-floors operated one from the other and connected together, substantially as described.

10. In a mail-marking machine, the combination of a frame, two letter-ways arranged horizontally thereon and each provided with reciprocating feeding means, a direct operating connection between said feeding means of the two ways, operating means for said connection, and feeding devices for carrying the letters from one way into the other way, substantially as described.

11. In a mail-marking machine, the combination of a frame, letter-ways arranged horizontally thereon side by side, and each having a feeding-floor, an actuating connection directly connecting said two floors and arranged to actuate the floors to feed in. opposite directions, respectively, operating means for said connection, and means to carry the letters from one Way to the other, substantially as described.

12. A mail-marking machine having the series of outwardly-facing shoulders in the .path of the letters, and a stop for the letters at the outer end of said series, substantially as described.

13. A mail-marking machine having the front end of the receiving-way provided with the series of shoulders, an upwardly-curved guide at the outer edge of said way, and a stop-arm above said guide,'substantially as described.

14. In combination, printing mechanism, a receiving-way across the end of which said printing mechanism discharges the letters, the end of said way across which said letters pass formed with short upward and outward inclines terminating in shoulders, a stop at the outer edge of said way, and a stacker arranged to catch each letter as it enters the Way, substantially as described.

15. In a mail-marking machine, the combination of a receiving-way into one end of which the letters are discharged, a stacker arranged at one end of the way to pack the letters therein, a stationary support, and a depending shield carried by said support and arranged immediately above the inlet end of the way and overthe path of the letters in moving across the way to prevent the letters jumping up out of the pack or way whendischarged thereinto or engaged by the stacker, substantially as described.

16. In a mail-marking machine, the combination of a receiving-way, having a side inlet at one end through which the letters are discharged transversely in an upright position, a support, and a depending movable shield arranged immediately above the inlet end of the way with its lower end arranged to swing rearwardly and rest on the upper edges of the letters in the way and to prevent the letters flying up as they enter the way, substantially as described.

17. I11 combination, a receiving vay having a bracket extending up over the way, a swinging shield depending from said bracket over the way, and a latch to hold the shield on the bracket, substantially as described.

18. In a mail-marking machine, the combination of a receiving-way into which the letters are discharged on edge and transversely of the way, a stacker at said end of the way, and a rearwardly-inclined shield arranged above the way and immediately over and above the path traversed by the letters in entering said way to hold the letters in the way as they enter the same, substantially as described.

19. In a mail-marking machine, the combination of a letter-receiving way, a support arranged above the same, and a flexible shield in the form of a sheet depending from the support over the inlet end of the way with its lower free end arranged to rest on the upper edges of the letters moving outwardly in the way, substantially as described.

20. In a mail-marking machine, the combination of a frame, a letter-receiving way having a side inlet-opening at one end, a printing mechanism at said opening arranged to shoot the letters in an upright position transversely across the end of the way, a shield arranged above said inlet end of the way and immediately above the path traversed by the letters entering the way and arranged to engage the upper edges of the letters in the way, a letter-stacker at front end of the way, and a movable body in the way to hold the letters together and in their upright positions.

21. In amail-marking machine, the combination of a receiving-way having a side inlet, means to discharge the letters into said way through said inlet, said way formed with an upward incline in its floor in the path of the letters entering the way,and a shield arranged above the way and immediately above said incline and path of the letters entering the way, substantially as described.

22. A mail-marking machine, having its recei vin g-way provided with a swinging stacker moving into and out of the way for packing the letters as received in the way, and provided with a reciprocating floor feeding the pile of letters outwardly in said way, substantially as described.

23. A mail-marking machine having a letter-way provided with a removable reciprocating floor, and operating conneetionsto reciprocate said floor quickly in one direction and more slowly in the opposite direction.

21L. A mail-marking machine having the floor of its receiving-way formed of a removable tray, and means connected with saidtray for reciprocating the same quicklyin one direction and more slowly in the opposite direction to feed theletters outwardly therein, substantially as described.

25. The mail-marking machine having a removable tray forming its receiving-way, and a lever, connected with rocking means, to which said tray is detachably secured substantially as described.

26. The combination, the frame and operating mechanism, of the machine, a letter-receiving tray, a swinging lever on which said tray removably rests and by which the tra is reciprocated, and operating means for the lever, substantially as described.

27. In a mail-marking machine, a letterway having means to feed theletters longitudinally of the way and toward one end thereof, a longitudinal side guide, and positively-operating means arranged in the floor of the way to engage theletters and line them up against said guide, substantially as described.

28. In a mail-marking machine, the combination of a letter-way having a side discharge, a printing-couple at said discharge, a reciprocating feeder having a biting-surface arranged to engage the letters at or near their ends and carry them into the printingcouple and having a stroke extending beside the end of one member of the couple, a pitman pivotally and eccentrically joined to said member of the printing-couple and loosely connected with said feeder to reciprocate the same, and adjustable means connecting the pitman to the member to adjust the pitman longitudinally in respect to the member to vary the starting-point of the feeder in its stroke and vary the point at which it grasps each letter, said pitman so connected as to be readily lifted from the said member, substantially as described.

29. In a mail-marking machine, the combination of a letter-way, a rotary member adjacent thereto, a reciprocating feeder to carry the letters from the way, and a pitman directly connecting the member and feeder, said pitman having a transverse socket at one end adapted to drop down on a vertical journal from one of said parts connected by the pitman, a pin arranged to movably rest in a socket in the other part and having the pitman adjustably clamped thereto so that the length of the pitman between said parts connected by it can be varied and so that the pitman and said pin can be lifted from said parts, substantially as described.

30. In a mail-marking machine, the combination of a letter-way having a dischargeopening and a front end wall, a horizontallyreciprocating feeder arranged in front of said wall to project through the same and grasp the letters at or near their front ends, ahorizontally-rotating member having a socket, a vertically removable pin turnable in the socket an d having a transverse opening at its upper end, a pitman at one end pivotally connected to said feeder and vertically removable therefrom and at its opposite end passing through said transverse opening, and means to clamp the pitman in said opening so that the length of the pitman between the feeder and said member can be varied to vary the points of engagement between the feeder and letters longitudinally of the letters, and so that the pitinan can be readilylifted from the feeder and said .member, substantially as described.

31. In a mail-markin g machine having the front end Wall of its way provided with an outward curve or bend at the lateral discharge from said way, separating-fingers forcing the letters against said curve whereby the letters can be easily separated, and a feeding mechanism for forcing the letters from the way through said discharge, substantially as described.

32. In a mail-marking machine, the combination of a letterway having a dischargeopening, a feeder arranged to catch the letters at their inner ends and carry them through the opening, a separating device at said discharge arranged opposite the feeder, the wall of the way and the separating device being so relatively arranged and shaped as to bend the edges of the letters toward the feeder so that. the feeder engages and grips the inner flexible ends thereof, substantially as described.

33. A feeding-block composed of a series of parallel independently-movable plates, havingneedle-points projecting from correspondin g edges to form the'surface of needle-points, substantially as described.

34. A feeding-block composed of a series of .parallel plates, each having a series of sharpened wires, needles, or the like, secured thereto with the points projecting from one edge thereof, substantially as described.

35. A movable feeding-block, having the biting-face composed of a plurality of fine closely-arranged points, the block composed of separate plates independently mounted so as to have slight independent play, and yieldingly pressed together in the same direction.

36. A feeding-block composed of a series of parallel plates, each having a series of parallel needles or the like secured thereto with their points projecting from one edge thereof, said plates independently pivoted and yieldingly held in position, substantially as described.

37. A feeder composed of alternate layers of plates and parallel needles, substantially as described.

38. The feeder composed of parallel plates carrying series of needles and independently mounted, a yielding or spring device yieldingly holding said plates, and a support carrying the feeder, substantially as described.

39. A reciprocating carrier having operating means, in combinationwith a feeder-block having a surface of fine points and one or more slots transverse of the plane of said surface of points, and confining means in said slot and from the carrier so that the block can move transversely independently of the carrier, substantially as described.

40. A feeder-block built up of a series of parallel sections laid one on the other and each at an edge having a series of projecting fine parallel points, so that a surface of fine, closely-arranged points is formed at one side of the block, substantially as described.

41. A feeder built up of a series of independently-movable sections, arranged one against the other, each carrying a series of points at one edge so that a flexible surface of points is formed which readily adapts itself to uneven surfaces, substantially as described.

42. A reciprocating feeder comprising a sliding carrier having lateral play, means for reciprocating the same, and a feeder proper mounted on said carrier and composed of a plurality of independently-movable plates carrying biting-edges, means for limiting the play of said plates, and a spring independent-ly pressing all the plates inwardly, substantially as described.

43. In a mail-marking machine, a feeder comprising a reciprocating carrier, a series of parallel independently movable plates, each having a biting-surface, each plate at one end having an elongated slot, a confiningpin passed down through the same, and a stop limiting the in-and-out play of the opposite ends of said plates, substantially as described.

44. In a mail-marking machine, the separating device comprising pivoted fingers, slide-rods having their outer ends bent laterally and loosely joined to said fingers, guides for said rods, and springs pressing them longitudinally, substantially as described.

45. The separating mechanism comprising a spring-actuated finger, a rod controlling the same, and a stop to limit the inward movement of the finger and rod, substantially as described.

46. In a mail-marking machine, a series of independent separating fingers extending across the discharge from the feedway and consisting of swinging holders yieldingly held inwardly by springs and provided with adj ustable strips of friction material, substantially as described.

47. Aseparating-fingercomposed of aholder and an adjustable strip of rubber or other flexible material faced with a strip of friction material, substantially as described.

48. The separating fingers composed of swinging holders provided with friction material, said holders extending across the discharge from the feedway, and having rods attached to their outer portions and extending rearwardly, and springs and guides for said rods, substantially as described.

49. In a mail-marking machine, the combination of a letter-way having a rigid front wall and a side discharge, said front wall extended along one side of said discharge, a pair of gripping-rolls at said discharge, asupport at the discharge opposite said wall, a series of parallel separating-fingers arranged side by side, each formed of a metal block at its inner end independently pivoted to said sup- 

